When to Plant Lettuce in Kerr County, TX
What to do in May
Welcome to May in Zone 8b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Pick lettuce
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- First harvests: lettuce
Lettuce is a fast-growing cool-season green available in leaf, romaine, butterhead, and crisphead types. It is the foundation of salads and one of the easiest crops to grow.
Kerr County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 24 and the first fall frost is November 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 232 days.
At an elevation of 3,907 feet, Kerr County receives approximately 52 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Lettuce during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lettuce root diseases.
Kerr County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-7.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Kerr County
How your county's soil matches Lettuce's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.4–7.6) overlaps with Lettuce's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Kerr County is excellent for Lettuce — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Lettuce.
How to Plant Lettuce
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Lettuce
Sow every 3.4 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 12 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 02.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Lettuce
Lettuce needs approximately 0.7 inches of water per week (3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Lettuce Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 6.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 9.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 7.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 6.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3" | 1.7" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Kerr County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lettuce Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Lettuce Planting Timeline — Kerr County, TX
Lettuce Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 17 | Feb 17 – Mar 3 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 24 | Mar 24 – Apr 7 |
| Direct Sow | March 10 | Mar 10 – Mar 31 |
| Harvest | April 28 | Apr 28 – Jul 7 |
| Fall Sowing | September 2 | Sep 2 – Sep 16 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
30–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
232 days in Kerr County
Growing Tips for Lettuce in Kerr County
Direct sow Lettuce outdoors after March 24 in Kerr County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Summer highs in Kerr County reach 93°F — grow Lettuce as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.
Your generous 232.0-day season in Kerr County allows multiple plantings of Lettuce. Sow every 15.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Lettuce in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Sow seeds directly every 2 weeks for continuous harvest. Provide afternoon shade in warm weather to delay bolting. Harvest in the morning for crispest leaves.
Recommended Lettuce Varieties for Kerr County
Bolt-resistant varieties for warm summers — grow as spring/fall crop
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Very easy to save. Let a few plants bolt each season.
Lettuce in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lettuce in Kerr County, TX?
Kerr County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 24. Plan your Lettuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Kerr County, TX?
Kerr County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 24 and first fall frost is November 11.
Your Kerr County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Kerr County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.